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Home > Medications

Metered Dose Inhaler with Spacer

Description

Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are useful in treating asthma and other respiratory problems. An MDI has two parts:

  • A canister
  • Curved mouth piece.

These small hand-held devices propel or send needed medicine directly to the lungs. But, the medicine works only if the MDI is used in the right way. It is important to inhale while you press down on the MDI’s canister. Adding a spacer can help you use the medicine the right way. A spacer:

  • helps you to breathe at your own pace
  • allows more medicine to reach your lungs
  • prevents medicine from escaping into the air.

A spacer is a 4-8 inch tube with a one-way valve that fits on the end of the MDI. Use of an MDI may be only one part your treatment. It is important to follow all of your doctor’s directions. If you have asthma, treatment may include routine use of a peak flow meter and avoiding things that make your asthma worse.

Dose & Administration

Take only the number of doses (puffs) prescribed. Avoid the use of over-the-counter inhalers with your prescribed inhaler. If you are taking more than one inhaler, it is important to take them in the correct order. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

Preparing the Inhaler

  • Put the inhaler together (as needed).
  • Inspect the spacer for foreign objects, if there is a valve, make sure it is intact.
  • Remove the cap from the mouthpiece.
  • Attach the inhaler to the spacer.

Using the Inhaler

  • Shake the inhaler and spacer.
  • Hold the inhaler upright with your index finger on top and thumb on the bottom.
  • Exhale fully and gently through your mouth.
  • Position the spacer comfortably in your mouth.
  • Press down on the inhaler.
  • Inhale slowly and deeply for about 3 to 5 seconds as the medicine moves from the inhaler into the spacer.
  • Close your mouth, hold your breath for at least 10 seconds; then exhale.
  • Repeat dose as ordered. Wait 30 – 60 seconds between doses or follow the package instructions. Wait at least 5 minutes when using two or more kinds of inhalers (i.e. bronchodilators, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, cromolyn).

Special Instructions

  • Breathe out before pressing your inhaler.
  • Inhale slowly through your mouth, not your nose.
  • Press down only once when using your inhaler. Wait at least 30 seconds to 1 minute between each puff.
  • Breathe evenly and deeply.
  • Refill your inhaler medicine as needed; do not wait until the canister is empty.
  • Contact your pharmacist or doctor right away if your inhaler or spacer is lost or broken.

Caring for the Inhaler & Spacer

Keep your inhaler and spacer clean. Wash the curved mouthpiece and the spacer in warm, soapy water at least once a week. Dry carefully with a clean, lint-free cloth. Keep the cap on the mouthpiece when not in use. Do not share your inhaler with your family or friends.

Always have a spare inhaler on hand.

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your doctor if you:

  • Do not get relief from your inhaler or you need to use your inhaler more often
  • Have shortness of breath not relieved by your inhaler
  • Have weakness, increased heart rate, shakiness, difficulty
  • breathing, nervousness, headaches, nausea or vomiting.

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900747 (03/02)

Developed by: Department of Pharmacy with Medicine Nursing

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